Politics with Michelle Grattan

Michelle Grattan and The Conversation's Politics Editor Amanda Dunn discuss the big issues of the week and answer your questions.Mentioned in this episode:How Australian Democracy Works'How Australian Democracy Works' edited by Politics Editor Amanda Dunn is out now in all good book stores.Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newsletters

With the polls close to a dead heat, would the Greens push a potential minority Labor government even harder to pursue their agenda?

Michelle Grattan and The Conversation's Politics Editor Amanda Dunn discuss the big issues of the week and answer your questions.Mentioned in this episode:Sign up to The Conversation's newsletterhttps://theconversation.com/au/newslettersHow Australian Democracy Works'How Australian Democracy Works' edited by Politics Editor Amanda Dunn is out now in all good book stores.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton joins the podcast to discuss his ambitions if he becomes Prime Minster at the May election.

We are joined by the co-founder of the Community Independents Project, Tina Jackson - a key figure behind Zali Steggall's successful campaign against Tony Abbott in 2019Mentioned in this episode:Listen to Scam Factories on The Conversation Weekly🔎 search for The Conversation Weekly Scam Factories takes you inside Southeast Asia’s brutal scam compounds. We meet the people lured into the industry, reveal how they become trapped and trafficked and track their desperate attempts to escape. We track the organised crime groups and corrupt politicians linked to the operations and chart the industry’s explosive growth: hundreds of thousands of people are being forced to scam. And we try to answer the question, are they victims or criminals, or can they be both?

To discuss Trump Mark 2 on the world stage and what that means for Australia, we're joined by James Curran, professor of modern history at the University of Sydney.Mentioned in this episode:Listen to Scam Factories on The Conversation Weekly🔎 search for The Conversation Weekly Scam Factories takes you inside Southeast Asia’s brutal scam compounds. We meet the people lured into the industry, reveal how they become trapped and trafficked and track their desperate attempts to escape. We track the organised crime groups and corrupt politicians linked to the operations and chart the industry’s explosive growth: hundreds of thousands of people are being forced to scam. And we try to answer the question, are they victims or criminals, or can they be both?

Cyclone Alfred wreaks havoc as leaders await Trump tariff decision: election special episode 2 with Amanda Dunn and Michelle GrattanFrom cyclones to school funding announcements, there have been lot of issues - and disruptions - for the prime minister and opposition leader.As we gear up for a Federal election, Politics + Society Editor Amanda Dunn and Political Correspondent Michelle Grattan sit down to talk about this week's key issues. Mentioned in this episode:Listen to Scam Factories on The Conversation Weekly🔎 search for The Conversation Weekly Scam Factories takes you inside Southeast Asia’s brutal scam compounds. We meet the people lured into the industry, reveal how they become trapped and trafficked and track their desperate attempts to escape. We track the organised crime groups and corrupt politicians linked to the operations and chart the industry’s explosive growth: hundreds of thousands of people are being forced to scam. And we try to answer the question, are they victims or criminals, or can they be both?

Tensions are rising between Australia and China as live fire drills spark heated discussions about foreign relations. Political strategies unfold with the opposition lobbying for tariff exemptions amid looming election pressures. Recent political decisions ignite debates on voter loyalty and cost of living issues, while allegations against key figures shape public perceptions. A critical Medicare investment aims to support low-income individuals, drawing scrutiny on opposition tactics. The looming election announcement adds urgency to the political landscape.

We're joined today by Tom Rogers, recently retired as Electoral Commissioner. As commissioner, Rogers oversaw three federal elections and the Voice referendum.

We talk to productivity Commission chair Danielle Wood about the housing challenge, as well as Australia's parlous productivity performance generally.